Orren Frederick Knauer

Orren Frederick Knauer, 86, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of the late Joan Kennedy Knauer, entered into eternal rest Sunday, September 28, 2025. His Memorial Service will be held Friday, October 10, 2025, in the Bishop Gadsden Chapel at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow.

Orren was born August 30, 1939, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late Fred C. Knauer and Pearl Tillbrook Knauer.

Orren graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and enjoyed a successful career, beginning at Standard and Poor, where he became a Vice President. He later also served as a Vice President of Allied Stores, and Director of Investor Relations at K-Mart.

Tennis was central to his life. Indeed, he met the love of his life, Joan Kennedy, at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club almost 50 years ago, and their wedding took place there.

Orren won the Pennsylvania high school state doubles tournament in 1957, and played on the varsity tennis team at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Orange Lawn Tennis Club, where he won numerous club doubles championships, a singles championship, and, most exciting for Joan, he and Joan won a mixed doubles championship.

When Orren moved with his family to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, he continued his tennis avocation there, winning tournaments in Michigan as well. Orren also took up paddle tennis, and was even more successful, winning tri-state championships in the New Jersey/New York area.

Orren retired relatively early, moving to Isle of Palms, South Carolina, in large part because of the excellent tennis facilities there. In 2007, he and Joan relocated to Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community, a move he described as “one of the best decisions of his life.” He was a cheerleader for BG, its food, its staff and its leadership. Orren and his charming miniature dachshund Dandy were regular visitors to the residents of the Memory Care unit for many years, bringing joy to the folks living there.

Orren is survived by his sons, Frederick Gordon and Thomas A. Knauer, Thomas’ wife Katherine Terrell and their children Matilda and Simon. He is also survived by his sister, Louise T. Knauer and her wife Frances J. Friedrich.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bishop Gadsden Employee Appreciation Fund.

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